"In the past our channel partnerships have been very capital city focused but we have identified potential growth in regional areas," he said. "The partner spread that we have has worked well, but as we plan to grow, we need to bring more channel partners on to make it happen."

Recruiting regional partners would help Sage expand its partnerships by 20 per cent and improve its geographical balance. It is also planning to conduct regional road shows early next year.

"There are a lot of small businesses that can't necessarily get into city centres to get the advice they need," he said.

"We will go out there and educate the market, recruiting partners who will be there on a permanent basis."

The company plans to target the CRM solution at the telco and retail sectors, but would also look to take it to market through SMB accounting partners.

The CRM division would use the existing Sage partner programs, which would continue to develop marketing initiatives to support the channel.

Stange said Sage CRM partners would have access to its whole range of
products.

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